Novation Circuit Rhythm Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Novation Circuit Rhythm is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi enabled groovebox has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Novation Circuit Rhythm with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Circuit Rhythm.

Article Contents

1. Does the Novation Circuit Rhythm work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Novation Circuit Rhythm come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Circuit Rhythm to ableton
4. How to midi map the Novation Circuit Rhythm in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Circuit Rhythm
   1. Saving your Circuit Rhythm Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Novation Circuit Rhythm work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Novation Circuit Rhythm is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Circuit Rhythm can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

All editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the Circuit Rhythm is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Circuit Rhythm.

Does the Novation Circuit Rhythm come with ableton Live included?

The Circuit Rhythm does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard's 10GB.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Circuit Rhythm to ableton

Connecting the Novation Circuit Rhythm with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi enabled groovebox.

1. Connect the Circuit Rhythm to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Circuit Rhythm and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Circuit Rhythm from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Circuit Rhythm are checked.
4. Ensure that the proper 'Track', 'Remote' and 'Sync' boxes are checked for both input and output.

• Track: When checked, this allows MIDI notes and CC messages to be sent/received.
• Sync: This option enables MIDI clock syncing between Ableton live and the external device.
• Remote: Allows external MIDI controllers to remotely control parameters within Ableton Live.

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In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Circuit Rhythm (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Circuit Rhythm is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Novation Circuit Rhythm to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Circuit Rhythm, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Circuit Rhythm.
5. Moving the physical control on your Circuit Rhythm will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Circuit Rhythm

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Circuit Rhythm, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Circuit Rhythm Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Circuit Rhythm is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Circuit Rhythm, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool 'Control Surface Studio' is exactly what you need!
With it, you'll be able to:
- save and re-use your Circuit Rhythm's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Circuit Rhythm,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Circuit Rhythm, than Live's internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can't I hear my Circuit Rhythm in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Circuit Rhythm is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Circuit Rhythm is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Circuit Rhythm.
4. Make sure that the Circuit Rhythm is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.